The Knight Times / December 2020 Issue 5

News that Stands Out

THE KNIGHT TIMES Official Student Newspaper of Episcopal High School

December 2020

4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401

Class of 2020 “leaves” mark

www.ehshouston.org

Volume 35, Issue 5

Arts Leadership leads holiday activities on campus The council provided various events to allow students and faculty to celebrate the season

CRISTIAN MUNOZ Staff Writer The Senior Leaving Tree event for seniors began with the Class of 1997 and has been a yearly tradition at EHS since.

Prior to The Leaving Tree, seniors would put handprints in cement near the back side of the Convent. Seniors would place their handprint in a recently-poured slab of cement a week before graduation.

EHS started running out of room, and the concrete walkways with the handprints were becoming a hazard to walk on, so Dean John Colello, along with EHS 1997 YEES Chair Karen Mark, decided on the Leaving Tree instead. The first tree began with classes 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000, which are located on the northeast corner of the Fine Arts Building. Karen Becker, wife of the second EHS Head of School Ned Becker and an English teacher on campus, wrote the poem that accompanied the first tree and the subsequent other trees on the Crum Field House west wall.

The Crum trees contain three graduation classes each. Normally, the event is held the Friday before graduation; however, due Junior Craig Choi puts the tree topper on the USC Christmas tree on December 8. Participants in the Arts Leadership Council activity used garland, lights, and ornaments, along with the toppers, to decorate these wooden trees. Photo by Lauren West.

CORY KARDESCH Copy Editor

The Arts Leadership Council, Student Council, National Art Honors Society, and Creative Writing Club joined forces to bring inclusive and interactive activities to the EHS community.

Whether it was Chalk Art, TikTok Challenges, Story Telling Videos, Just Dance Parties, or Grade Level Christmas Trees, the events were all a success.

Photo by Bailey Junell to the global pandemic, the Class of 2020 was not able to hold its event but will finally have the ceremony on December 12.

EHS is now on its eighth tree, and the Class of 2021 will be the last group on it.

A new tree will be constructed and contain leaves for the Classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The plaques on the Crum Leaving Tree Wall are the Classes 1987 – 1996. Dean Colello wanted to recognize the classes that had the handprints, so he had the plaques created and mounted so we can honor them on the wall as well.

INSIDE Houston Christmas Activities Family-friendly and safe Christmas-themed attractions

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Plugged In The boys review the new video game Cyberpunk 2077

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Features ........................ 2-3 Culture ......................... 4 Entertainment ............... 5 Knight Shift ................ 6 Opinion ........................ 7 Sports ........................... 8

Learn more about Arts Leadership Activities on Page 2

Student Arts Exhibition announces winners ESTEFANIA LOPEZ-SALAS Staff Writer Students in fall art classes have been working extremely hard throughout the semester. This year’s Fall 2020 Student Exhibition includes artwork from the following classes: Beginning Photo, Advanced Photo, Photo-Journalism, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Ceramics, Advanced Ceramics, Drawing, Advanced Drawing, Painting, and Advanced Painting.

The work in the exhibition included projects that were done while the students were in remote learning. Students used materials from their kits, and when they finished, they returned their projects to campus. The exhibition displayed everyone’s talent and creativity in the Episcopal High School community. There were two different judges, one for the studio arts and one for photography, that gave a first-place award, a second place, a third place, and four honorable mentions in 2D, 3D, and photography.

The winners in the Photography category were First Place: Sydney Smith ‘23 “Galveston”; Second Place: Jasmine Greene ‘22 “Rise”; Third Place: Christina Amelio ‘22 “Shapes and Shadows”; Honorable Mentions: Layla Younis ‘23 “Cherry Blossoms,” Harrison Witcher ‘22 “Abstract Car,” Sydney Kelso ‘21

“Greed,” and Mitchell Glotfelty ‘22 “Birds Down.”

Winners in 2D Studio were First Place: Bella Vogiatzis ‘21 “Arm’s Length”; Second Place: Cassie Stewart ‘21 “Caged Bird Sings”; Third Place: Olive Martin ‘23 “A Thousand Steps”; Honorable Mentions: Caroline Nelson ‘24 “Food Flow,” Elizabeth Minton ‘22 “Orchids,” Will Juden ‘23 “Caught in a Net,” and Eleanor Brown ‘24 “Midnight in the City.”

The 3D Studio winners were First Place:

River Reinertsen-Forehand ‘21 “Butterfly Meadow”; Second Place: Margaret Ellison ‘23 “Bonfire”; Third Place: Daniel Koch ‘21 “Outward Imperfection”; Honorable Mentions: Catherine MacConnell ‘22 “Cylinder,” Reid Sheppard ’21 “Take Off,” Farah Farooq ‘23 “Box & Coil Projects,” and Jake Berlin ‘23 “Long Lost Helmet.”

All the teachers were proud of everyone’s hard work considering sit was uch a unique first semester.

Winners in the EHS 2020 Fall Visual Arts Exhibition were honored in Alkek Gym during a virtual presentation, The USC gallery and various display areas on campus feature their award-winning work. Photo by Karma Elbadawy.

Features ∙ Page 2

The Knight Times ∙ December 2020

Arts Leadership Council organizes fun holiday activities CORY KARDESCH Copy Editor This year, the Arts Leadership Council brought inclusive activities to EHS. These activities “offered more opportunities to strengthen friendships, and to create experiences that could be shared by all members of the EHS family - students, faculty, and staff alike,” said Dean of Arts Dr. Jay Berckley.

With the support and help of Student Council, National Art Honor Society, and the Creative Writing Club, “we were able to amplify these ideas and efforts even further!” he added.

These activities included a Tik Tok/ Dance/Talent Show competition that was due December 3, in which the winner earned EHS swag.

From December 3-4, there was sidewalk chalk and Christmas music available in Trinity Courtyard for students to go have fun with chalk on the sidewalks, with hopes to relieve some stress as the semesters comes to a close.

On December 10, Story Telling Videos from the Creative Writing Club and the Arts Leadership Council were due, when students could record themselves sharing a story. Also on December 10 was a Just Dance Lunch Party for everyone’s participation.

Starting the week after Thanksgiving to the end of the year, students who volunteered to help will be building Grade Level Christmas Trees, which will stand in the USC for everyone to see. These Christmas trees were constructed from

scratch and assembled over multiple days and are decorated in the spirit of the holiday season.

Throughout the last weeks of this semester, National Art Honor Society has

been working on painting the Underwood Library windows with holidat themes.

Finally, starting November 30 through December 11, music performance videos were released for everyone to see.

LEANA GREENE Staff Writer

through, believing “many of [the Episcopal] students can see themselves in similar struggles, as in understanding who [they] are and where [they] belong is often full of gray areas and complexities.”

Junior Paris Riconte loved reading Middlesex this year in English III. She was excited about the topics of “gender emphasis and sexuality emphasis, something private schools rarely discuss in the curriculum.”

Middlesex has brought up a lot of important conversations in Paris’s classroom with English teacher Mr. David Framel about awareness of others and understanding for those who can personally relate with the novel.

For sophomore Olivia Chapman, reading The Leavers made her more aware of “deportation and how mothers can be separated from their kids.” She had no idea “what can happen to those Asian families.”

The EHS English Department added new literary texts this year in line with the Diversity, Community and Inclusion initiative. Image courtesy of goodreads. com.

Students decorate campus in lieu of the holiday season. The Courtyard and the USC were the main focus for the activities. Photos by Lauren West.

What to expect for Interim Term this coming new year BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief In order to maintain the existing health standards and social distancing that has been implemented at EHS due to COVID-19, this year’s Interim Term period has been significantly altered. Instead of the two-week program that typically occurs in early January, EHS planned two days that focus mainly on grade level activities.

Ms. Ashley Saunders, the head of IT, has been working with the faculty and staff to ensure a safe and fun modified Term for the freshman, sophomores and juniors. As in past years, Ms. Saunders stated that the emphasis of Interim Term will be on “relationships and personal and mental awareness and health.” Similarly, there will be opportunities for the students to interact

with their grade in class competitions and with their advisories in Community Time.

Over the course of these two days, programs already involved in the school, for example Community and Inclusion and Choices, will present interactive and engaging sessions to the ninth and tenth graders. Likewise, the juniors will spend the two days working with College Counseling to help prepare them for their upcoming college application process.

For seniors, instead of the usual twoweek Senior Outreach, the two days will include volunteering around the community, such as building houses.

Ms. Saunders stated, “This will be an opportunity for students and faculty to reset and reconnect before the start of the spring semester after the changes and challenges of this school year.”

How to minimize stress and prepare for midterms CHRIS LAHOTI Managing Editor As midterms loomed, it was only natural to feel overwhelmed. Reviewing a whole semester’s worth of material for every class is not easy, but these next tips should take some of the stress off your preparation for the future.

Make sure to create a finals study schedule. Unorganized studying hinders actual absorption of the material and inevitably leads to last-minute cramming. After receiving the list of potential exam topics, divide them up and set aside a consistent amount of time every day to review them.

Planning ahead decreases anxiety down the road and allows you to relearn every concept in an orderly fashion.

The best material to review is past quizzes and tests. The questions that show up on exams are similar to what can be expected on the actual final, so make a list of missed questions and prioritize

the review of those topics. Creating flash cards and reviewing notes are two great ways to study material; consider taking the time to do both. Afterwards, look up practice questions in your textbooks or online and work them until you feel comfortable enough to move on.

If studying alone isn’t your thing, grab a couple of friends and create a study group.

Reviewing topics with other people can lead to new understandings of a concept or strategies for problems, and group members can coordinate with each other to efficiently cover units. However, please make sure to actually focus on the final preparation. It’s easy to get distracted.

Lastly, don’t stress! These tips should help make your finals study organized and effective. When it comes down to the tests themselves, take a deep breath and visualize your success. You worked hard the past semester; it’s time to show what you know.

The year of 2020 has been overwhelming for many in the Episcopal Community; with the start of the school year, Episcopal had not only made adjustments for the regulations of COVID-19 but the presidential election, Black Lives Matter Movements, and natural disasters, to name a few. One noticeable change was in the English Department and the literature the student body has been given to read this year. The Leavers by Lisa Ko, an Asian immigration story, and Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, an epic-length text challenging stereotypes about gender, are two novels that address serious topics such as sexual identity, incest, intersex, gender roles, and immigration.

Working with the Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion Mr. Wayne Jones, English Department Chair Dr. Brad Telford decided to take a different path this year in hopes of creating “a stimulating change in the classroom and beyond.”

Dr. Telford believes the students can see themselves in the characters and their experiences, wanting to teach our Knights “grace and empathy,” mainly to “help them celebrate the dignity and preciousness of every human being” and “to be the best Knights they can be.”

Mr. Harris, freshman and sophomore English teacher, found The Leavers to be a “messy” novel in terms of what the main character, Deming/Daniel, goes

The Knight Times ∙ December 2020

Features ∙ Page 3

Latest fashion updates for winter Christmas gifts to give for 2020 LUCY HOWLEY Social Media Coordinator If you are looking to spice up your closet for the up-and-coming winter season, I researched the new women’s clothing trends from fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Elle so you don’t have to. I compiled a list of reoccurring themes from these articles, and here are my results.

In terms of clothes, this year’s runways were full of classic winter attire, like cable sweaters, coats, and knee-high boots. There were a few common clothing “themes” in these articles; for example, the Cottage Core style (which consists of light, airy, mystical clothing one would wear as they pick flowers near their small wooden cottage in Southern France) and Chic Equestrian style (which consists of

This model is wearing a new trend, metallic gold. Photo courtesy of Vogue.com.

CLAIRE FRANKFORT Staff Writer Christmas time is here! The most nerve-wracking part of this time of year is figuring out what to get your friends and family. Nobody ever really knows what to get. My sister and I never get each other presents for Christmas for this very reason. As for parents and friends, that is a whole other story. Here is a list of 2020 gift ideas to give:

The presentation of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is an annual tradition commemorating the start of the holiday season and beloved by millions of Americans.

However, in true 2020 fashion, this year’s Rockefeller Tree has disappointed users across social media who have shared displeased photos and videos of the not-sovoluminous tree.

After arriving in New York City following a two-day journey from Oneonta, New York, the 75-foot tall, 11-ton tree’s branches seemed to be awkwardly flopping every which way. Twitter users have referred to it as a “sick-looking” “victim of 2020” that “tried to cut its own hair.”

According to a spokesperson for Rockefeller Center, the tree’s seemingly sparse and raggedy appearance can be attributed

Lap Desk – Gift your dad a lap desk that can hold his phone, drinks, and laptops while working from home. $65 on amazon.com Sugar Lip Kit – Anyone would love this set of lip gloss colors for when we can leave the house without a mask on. $45 on Sephora.

A runway model displays the leather trend. Photo courtesy of Vogue.com. wearable tidy jackets and long English riding boots) were two reappearing ones.

Puffy sleeves, velvet, plaid, variations of the blazer, and leather everything (faux of course) are all styles that are still at the top of the trend list. Metallic gold, the comeback of cardigans, fringe, the color red, and clothing “borrowed from the boys” were a few new trends I discovered.

Now onto accessories. Chunky chain jewelry, unconventional pearls, and rings on rings are still in style. However, (to my unpleasant surprise) I saw a weird amount of fuzzy bucket hats. To go along with the puffy sleeve and exaggerated dresses, puffy cloudlike bags have become a major trend. And finally, tights with logos, glitter, or designs on them have replaced plain tights for this winter.

I think we can all agree 2020 has not been the best year, so end it in style.

Christmas flourishes in New York?

LILY O’GORMAN Staff Writer

Jo Malone – Give a container of body scrub, lotion, or perfume to your mom so she can relax after the craziness of the past year. $58 - $100 on jomalone.com

to the long journey it took on its side. The representative further explained that the full wrapping of each of the tree’s branches caused it to appear off-kilter when placed upright for the first time.

Just as the tree arrived in New York City, a surprising discovery swept across social media when a tiny live owl was found nestled in its branches. Surviving the long journey from upstate New York, the owl became somewhat of a celebrity, adopting the name Rocky, short for Rockefeller, and traveling to a wildlife rehabilitation center where he was eventually released back into the wild.

While jokes about the tree have continued on social media, Rockefeller Center confirms that after being wrapped with 50,000 multicolored LED lights and topped with a 900-pound star, it will rise to the standards of Christmas lovers everywhere.

One of many masks to gift for a friend.

Photo courtesy of revolve.com.

Face Masks – Find a cute bunch of masks to give to a friend because I think we’re all getting tired of the same ones from March. $28 on Revolve.

Holiday activities to try in Houston LEANA GREENE Staff Writer The Houston-area has many familyfriendly ways to experience the holiday cheer of Christmas, whether it be socially distanced entertainment or in-person action.

Rudolph’s Lightshow is the first drivethrough Christmas light show in the Houston-area, in Hockley, just a thirty-minute drive away, from November 1 until January 3 from 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. every day.

The lightshow offers a drive-through light tunnel containing over one million lights, and at the end, a giant Christmas tree which families are able to enjoy safely inside of their vehicles. The entry fee per car is $30 if purchased online and $40 at the gate. Practicing social distancing, this event requires that all guests not exit their vehicle; however, it does not mandate the usage of masks while in the car.

Go with friends or family to check out the Houston Zoo Lights this Christmas season, but don’t forget to bring your masks. Photo courtesy of groupon.com.

Is this tree the epitome of 2020? Usually the Rockefeller Christmas tree is a huge, pretty tree, but this year, Americans are shocked by the size. But don’t worry, they promise that it will look just as good as past years. Photo courtesy of parade.com.

Make working from home more comfortable. Photo courtesy of amazon.com.

The Discovery Green Ice Rink requires a $15 entry fee and offers holiday-themed nights from November 13 until January 31, with DJ Mohawk Steve, on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. and Skating with Santa on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m.

Sponsored by Green Mountain Energy, the Discovery Green Ice Rink continues to practice social distancing by requiring mask usage, contactless ticket purchases, and maintaining a 50% capacity in order to ensure the skaters are able to maintain social distance.

The annual Houston Zoo Lightshow is from November 14 until January 10 from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., but allows the last entry at 9:30 p.m. This H-E-B-sponsored show contains a giant ice throne, a 125-foot-long infinity tunnel of lights, a 4-D dragon show in the enchanted forest (Sponsored by King & Spalding LLP), “snow” in Texas, and a socially-distanced Santa meet and greet. Tickets are free to children under the age of two, tickets for ages 2-15 are $14.95 and for adults $19.95.

The Galaxy Lights held by NASA is from November 14 until January 3 from 6-10 p.m. every day. This show offers a 20-foot “twinkling tree” with multicolored lights, a Winter Wonderland at Zero-G Diner and Patio where you can experience a 3-D Meteor shower, a light tunnel to Independent Plaza (Sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital), and a 200-foot LED light tunnel containing over 250,000 lights that synchronize to festive holiday music. This event is a tribute to the Space Station’s 20th anniversary of continuous human habitation on the International Space Station (ISS), SpaceX Falcon 9.

Entry tickets for children 3 and under are free while tickets for ages 4 and above cost $19.95.

For the first time in Houston, Downtown brings us Hou-Ville, a life-size town of Dr. Seuss’s iconic Christmas story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the 40 Below Revention Music Center from December 1-31. With a $15 entry fee, this Who-ville town offers tribute to Houston sports teams, landmarks, icons, and shops such as an Astros-themed gingerbread house, Hou-ville gift shop, Candy Cane Lane, and sweet treats from The DoughCone food truck. This event will continue to follow the COVID-19 restrictions requiring six-foot social distance, mask requirement, and wellness checks upon arrival, all while operating at a 50% capacity each session.

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The Knight Times ∙ December 2020

My Distraction Crib with Sydney Coward Die Hard is the ultimate Christmas movie.

I don’t care if you say no because I know you’re lying. I don’t like Christmas movies, but the only Christmas movie I will watch is Die Hard. Everyone has a “Hans Gruber” [the Grinch, but Die Hard version] trying to ruin the holiday season, so don’t let them.

NYPD officer John McClane is just trying to visit his family when everything goes south. McClane will keep you on the edge of your seat as he tries to stop German thieves from stealing $640 million.

What movie is better for the holidays than John McClane trying to save his estranged wife and the rest of her office from terrorists? None. I highly, highly, highly recommend watching this suspenseful movie with your family this holiday season. And if you won’t do it because I recommended it, do it because Jake Peralta loves Die Hard (Brooklyn Nine-Nine reference for those not familiar with that excellent sitcom).

Last year, every time Mr. Travis Smith in APUSH would even briefly mention or

talk about a book, specifically from the Progressive Era, I would order it and read it. All the books were beyond interesting, but my favorite was The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. Sinclair’s political fiction novel’s purpose was to expose the poor working conditions immigrants faced in the meat industry and their hopes to advance socialism. Through the life of Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, many readers were especially moved by the health code violations and unsanitary practices which eventually lead to reforms, including the Meat Inspection Act. So, if you’re in APUSH and looking for more in-depth learning and out-of-textbook information, or if you just really like history, I encourage you to read The Jungle. Upton Sinclair does an amazing job by noting the detail of corruption in power and how the working class lives.

“I aimed at the public’s heart, and by accident I hit it in stomach.” - Upton Sinclair The playlist for this month is called “December” under my Spotify account @ sydneykcoward.

KATHRYN BRAGG Guest Writer

$3 on the spot by scanning the QR code in Dr. P’s room, A130, and pick it up immediately! The $3 price can be charged to your student account.

We have had three meetings and TML contests this semester. Thank you all for your participation!

We would also like to congratulate all the mathletes who worked so hard on HiMCM. We can’t wait to learn the results of your hard work! The competition was postponed several times due to COVID19.

Also, this month finally marks the end of the Offshore Technology Conference. I am happy to announce that the Episcopal team - Chris Lahoti, Kathryn Bragg, Zack Donovan, and Connor Smith - received recognition for Innovation! Congratulations!

Finally, I would like to wish you all a restful and amzing (and safe) winter break. Happy holidays from the entire Math Club!

Slice of π

Hey, Knights, my name is Kathryn Bragg, and I’m your Math Club Secretary!

Even though the coronavirus has interfered with some of our plans this year (no bake sales, no Fibonacci day celebration event, no famous math club snacks), we have still had an amazing semester.

Thanks to you all, we raised funds for our competitions by selling Math Club masks. In fact, you can still order one for

Chris Lahoti, Kathryn Bragg, Zack Donovan, and Connor Smith all received wellearned recongition for their Innovation in HiMCM. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Bragg.

Spanish Corner

La Pelicula El Laberinto Del Fauno: ¿Horro o magia?

ELISE BRANCH Guest Writer En la clase de Español 5, vemos y analizamos películas en español que provienen de Latinoamérica o España. Una de las películas que vimos es El Laberinto Del Fauno (“Pan’s Labyrinth”), dirigida por el director mexicano Guillermo del Toro. Esta película toma lugar en 1944 en España, en los primeros años de la dictadura de Francisco Franco y después de la Guerra Civil Española, una guerra sangrienta entre los bandos de los Nacionalistas y los Republicanos. La película muestra problemas reales de la época, por ejemplo, españoles pobres que reciben comida y pan de los militares, y los maquis, rebeldes que luchan contra los franquistas.

En la película existe la tensión constante

del miedo, la vida y la muerte y tiene muchos temas y símbolos que muestran la complejidad del periodo. La protagonista de El Laberinto Del Fauno es Ofelia, una niña con una imaginación muy activa que representa las esperanzas para España.

Vidal representa los militares opresores, Mercedes, la sirvienta, la España rebelde.

A Ofelia le encanta leer cuentos de hadas, y por medio del realismo mágico, ella crea un mundo lleno de magia y seres oscuros y terribles. Por ejemplo, hay creaturas mitológicas como el fauno, un ser que es parte hombre con orejas, cuernos y patas de cabra, tres hadas que siguen a Ofelia, una gran rana que vive bajo la tierra, y el “hombre pálido”, una creatura horrible con ojos en los manos. En general, esta película es muy compleja, interesante y llena de tensión. ¡Deberías verla!

Music artist Rico Nasty releases her first studio album this year JAZZMIN DUNCAN Staff Writer Singer, songwriter, and producer MariaCecilia Simone Kelly, professionally known as Rico Nasty, released her first studio album Nightmare Vacation on Dec 4. This album features 16 tracks, all having varying themes and meanings. Lead singles in this album include “iPhone” and “OHFR?” among other early releases.

Alongside Kelly, producer Kenny Beats is largely involved in the process of producing and curating her music. Aside from Kenny Beats, Nasty has also worked with artists such as Kali Uchis and 100 gecs, as well as having songs appear in

soundtracks like that of Scoob! and HBO program Insecure.

Her aggressive yet satisfying delivery and alternative producing style fall into the punk-rap genre. Previously, Kelly has released two mixtapes, Nasty and Anger Management, both being extremely commercially successful.

Rico’s alternative style and music land her not only in the punk-rap genre but also in the punk subculture. Characterized by her extreme makeup looks, unique music, and out of the box outfits, Nasty proudly wears the badge of a “pop-punk princess.”

With her radical style, she is carving a lane for other members of alternative subcultures, particularly women of color, in the music industry.

Rico Nasty, AKA Maria-Cecilia Simone Kelly, creates newly-released masterpieces which allow her to shine in the music industry. Photos courtesy of thefader.com.

The Knight Times ∙ December 2020

CONNOR SMITH

Pixar’s newest release proves to be a success among critics LILY O’GORMAN Staff Writer

CHRIS LAHOTI With the end of 2020 just around the corner, there is no better way to finish the disaster of a year than with the most anticipated game of the past five years.

Published by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 finally released earlier this month on December 10 after years of delays. With pre-orders for the game being significantly more than any previous game released by the studio, video game players around the globe were excited for the game to finally release.

Cyberpunk 2077 is set in the futuristic area named Night City, a city run by corporations and gangs that have fully immersed themselves in futuristic tech and ideas alike. Following the science fiction genre Cyberpunk that became popular in the 1970s, the game is influenced heavily on the themes of the genre, including AI, body modification, utopian societies, and radical social change. However, the game

Entertainment ∙ Page 5

computer chip containing everlasting life.

After installing the chip into his body, V encounters Johnny Silverhand, a character modeled after one of the coolest people of all time, Keanu Reeves. When this was revealed at E3 2019, we were instantly sold on the game as Keanu has proven time and time again his skills as ruthless action hero.

The most interesting mechanic for us when playing through the game was the ability to choose our own story. When designing the game, CD Projekt Red made it its goal to allow the player to do whatever he or she wanted, whenever the player wanted. Throughout side quest and even story missions, we were able to choose our own path and play the game however we wanted. Not only did our choices affect many details of the gameplay, but we felt we could play the same mission 10 different ways and still find new dialogue

Pixar’s adorably animated and emotional films are classics when it comes to

Pixar’s new movie Soul will be available to the general public on December 25th.

Photo courtesy of engadget.com. family-friendly movies, and this year’s new Disney Pixar release, Soul, is no different.

Centering around the life of Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher with a passion for jazz, the movie explores the ups and downs of a career as a musician as well as the search for true fulfillment in life. When Joe’s soul is separated from his body after an accident, he finds himself in the “Great Beyond” and has to teach other souls in training how to find joy in life.

From the creators of the famously heartwarming movies Coco and Inside

After months of delay, Cyberpunk 2077 is now available for purchase. Gamers around the world have waited for this moment. Photo courtesy of trustedreview.com. is not limited to these themes and ideas as many of the issues that affect our country today, such as political corruption and police brutality, are discussed throughout the story Following periods of corporate war and the nuclear destruction of much of the United States, players play as V, a mercenary who got hired to steal a

options or combat scenarios. It was this attention to detail and diverse playability that has allowed Cyberpunk 2077 to raise the bar when it comes to AAA games.

If you have any interest in enjoying an exciting story with unique mechanics and gameplay, we highly recommend checking this game out. You can play Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC.

The Queen’s Gambit: Subverting the traditional gender norms of chess TINLEY KANE Sports Editor Netflix’s miniseries adaptation of Walter Tevis’s novel The Queen’s Gambit was the company’s least expected hit of the fall.

With critics finding it to be one of the best limited series to exist, viewers discovered a new hobby, and most importantly, chess lovers all over the world adored the show.

The seven-part series takes place in the Cold War Period in America with nineyear-old Beth Harmon losing her mother to a car crash. Thus, she is put into an orphanage and finds herself learning a new game with her time spent there. Later, the show illustrates her journey from competing in small-town tournaments to becoming a Grandmaster.

The show has skyrocketed on the charts and has been noted as the most-watched scripted limited series to date, according to The Guardian. The show captures the rise of a young woman at a time of

a male-dominated sport who becomes the game’s underdog and international phenomenon. It has gained so much attention that viewers are purchasing chess sets like crazy, eventually selling out in some instances.

What people love most about the show isn’t about Harmon’s gender, but yet, “highlighting Harmon’s chess playing abilities,” stated reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen, and why people become so attached to the show.

Additionally, throughout the show’s running, Harmon’s male peers aren’t depicted to be threatened by this skillful woman. If anything, Harmon avoids her uniqueness in gender by backing off this idea with her advanced level of play.

The writing of the show, although a bit unrealistic to the reality of the chess community, was written for the purpose of including the male environment within chess while intertwining a classic women’s empowerment moment.

Out, Soul has already received glowing reviews from critics all over the world. From its storyline to its incredibly advanced computer animation and use of jazz music, Soul is proving to be a mustwatch this holiday season.

Soul has also garnered raving reviews on Rotten Tomatoes where it has an impressive 100% approval rating. Critics have called it “a joy to behold” and a “captivating journey,” as well as giving it “universal acclaim.” It stars criticallyadmired voice actors Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Daveed Diggs, and Angela Basset who deliver an incredible and moving performance.

It premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11 but will be digitally released to the public via Disney+ on December 25.

Knight Times recommends some choice holiday classics EMMA CLAIRE WHITE Staff Writer With the holidays approaching, everyone knows that the best way to get into the spirit is to watch a holiday movie. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanzaa, I’ve got the best movies to watch, and they will most definitely make you excited for the upcoming season.

First, we have our classics. Obviously, Elf with Will Ferrell is an all-time favorite, and if you don’t watch this movie at least once during December, did you really celebrate Christmas?

If you’re looking for something a bit more cheesy, just turn on the Hallmark

Channel. Hallmark is notorious for their Christmas movies, and it seems like almost every single one of their films follows similar plots; however, A Christmas Prince and The Christmas Elf are my favorites.

Netflix’s new movie Holidate with Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey is my favorite new movie that does just the trick if you need a little festivity. It’s not just a Christmas movie. Instead, it tells the tale of two people who are fed up being single on the holidays, so they agree to be each other’s platonic plus one to all holiday events.

If you celebrate Hannukah, Mistletoe and Menorahs will put you in the holiday spirit.

The Hallmark Channel has consistently produced a variety of cheesy but heartwarming Christmas movies. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org.

Knight Shift ∙ Page 6

The Knight Times ∙ December 2020

Speaks Out “What is your favorite Christmas movie?”

QUON MARION “Christmas Office Party”

BRYNN ANDERSON “Love Actually” Cartoon by Zack Donovan.

PhotoJ Photo of the Month HENRY WASDEN “Die Hard”

MEHRAN KOOSHIAR “Christmas Vacation”

CLAIRE FORTNEY “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

CATE NICODEMUS “The Grinch”

Girls varsity soccer goalie Emma Vanderbloemen makes an incredible save during a home win over The John Cooper School 7-2. Photo by Lila Henningsen.

(Celebrity Sighting) PIERCE BARINEAU “Die Hard”

MEREDITH GRIFFIN “White Christmas”

MR. JONATHAN KWOK “It’s a Wonderful Life”

MRS. MEGHAN MOAKE “The Holiday”

World Languages Chair Sr. Alex Bruton and actor Mitch Pileggi share a striking resemblance. Their similar facial structure and matching facial hair make for an uncanny resemblance. Photos courtesy of Alan Ross and zimbio.com.

The Knight Times ∙ December 2020

Opinion ∙ Page 7

The importance of the World Health Organization and how bureaucracy has limited the effectiveness of the institution CONNOR SMITH Opinions Editor Throughout this election cycle, one topic that has been repeatedly forgotten might be the most important, especially with the influx of cases relating to Covid-19. This topic is the relationship between the United States and the World Health Organization, otherwise known as WHO. With President-elect Joe Biden promising to rejoin the organization on his first day as president, it’s important to understand why the United States began to cut their ties with WHO and how a complete withdraw from the organization was not the best solution to our problems.

The World Health Organization has been a concept since the beginning of the United Nations. The organization’s goal is to combat the spread of deadly diseases and monitor public health risks while also being an international response to health emergencies. The most notable accomplishment of WHO happened in 1979 when the organization announced the elimination of smallpox, the first virus to be eradicated by mankind.

In recent times, however, the World Health Organization has faced criticism over its actions confronting both the cholera epidemic and the coronavirus pandemic, with Former President Trump withdrawing funds to the organization while

citing WHO’s slow response to the Covid-19. While the White House criticized WHO for not classifying the coronavirus as a pandemic until March of 2020, the World Health Organization warned countries across the globe of the potentially deadly consequences of the virus. Whether we listened to them was a different story altogether.

In theory, when the United States provides nearly 20% of WHO’s funding, there is no reason for us to continue giving money if we receive nothing good in return.

However, it’s not the World Health Organization that is the problem; it’s the countries that support it.

The organization should not be blamed for our problems with the coronavirus now; in fact, it is the bureaucracy within the organization that is the problem. With its limited funding, WHO has been forced to cooperate with governments such as China and America more than it should. These relationships will stifle the overall goal of the organization, with many critics saying WHO’s relationship with China caused it to believe the lies the Chinese government told the world about their handling of the pandemic.

The World Health Organization should be independently supported but not influenced by the governments of the world.

To achieve this, WHO must receive more funding worldwide, and this pandemic is evidence of this. With more funding,

countries wouldn’t have been affected as much, as WHO would be able to identify the problem, create plans, and easily advise countries about their response to a global health crisis without the backlash that

support the independent organization to prevent foreseeable events such as the Covid-19 pandemic in the future. It is my opinion that by providing more significant funding to WHO without the shackles of

Director General of the World Health Organization Tedros Edhanom (left) with China’s president Xi Jinping. Photo courtesy of China Daily. comes with politics.

There is no reason why the United States should leave the World Health Organization; if anything, we should continue to

bureaucracy, the world will respond with more efficiency to the next global health crisis and avoid the mistakes that cost millions around the world to die.

The Knight Times Episcopal High School 4650 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77450 713-512-3400

from your Knight Times Staff

Head of School Ned Smith

Editor-in-Chief Bailey Junell

Associate Head of School Nancy Laufe Eisenberg

Managing Editor Chris Lahoti

Principal Kim Randolph

Copy Editor Cory Kardesch

Dean of Arts and Innovation Jay Berckley

Sports Editor Tinley Kane

Visual Arts Chair Kate Philbrick

Opinions Editor Connor Smith

Publications Coordinator David Framel

Business and Circulation Manager Sydney Coward

Photojournalism Instructor Japheth Storlie

Social Media Coordinator Lucy Howley

Photojournalism Co-Editors Sophie Martin and Karma Elbadawy

Staff Writers Jazzmin Duncan Claire Frankfort Lara Verstovsek Emma Claire White Leanna Green Estefania Lopez-Salas Cristian Munoz Sara Faulconer Lili OGorman

Photographers Maya Basra Sophia Black Sydney Brooks Craig Choi Lila Henningsen Sydney Kelso Christophe Merriam Mimi Elizabeth Wilson

The Knight Times is a product of students in the Episcopal High School newspaper class, who are solely responsible for its creation and editorial content. The opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the Episcopal Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, and staff. Published ten times a year, The Knight Times is a non-profit educational tool. The staff encourages the submission of letters, editorials, and story ideas from the community, but reserves the right to edit and/or use said articles.

Sports∙ Page 8

Sports Brief BOYS BASKETBALL TINLEY KANE Sports Editor Boys varsity basketball is off to a stellar start. With a record of 4-1, the boys seem to be on quite the roll. Facing tough public school competition within the greater Houston area, these teams have given the Knights a run for their money, but the boys have responded well.

The Knights home opener started the season with a win against Port Arthur Memorial 66-51. The boys would end up evening their record having a tough overtime loss to Bellaire that next week. Bouncing back from the loss, the Knights took their game to Richmond, Texas to wipeout the Terry Rangers 73-42. This winning streak would press forward as the Knights participated in the Texas Jamboree. Going 2-0 during the break, the team beat New Iberia 58-48 and Sharpstown 84-61.

The varsity squad is facing tough public school competition early in their season to prepare for conference games happening in later months. Set to be scheduled later this month, the Knights will face off against Providence Classical School, Houston Wheatley, and La Marque

The Knight Times ∙ December 2020

Boys soccer dominates the field, reaches 3-0 CRISTIAN MUNOZ Staff Writer As of now, the EHS boys soccer team is off to a 3-0 start with a big game upcoming vs San Antonio Central Catholic which will take place on December 18.

Unfortunately, there will be no SPC championship this year, but the boys are hoping to compete for a city championship against their SPC counterparts in Houston.

Sophomore Kadin Castillo is currently the leading scorer with 10 goals, and

Despite dealing with some recent adversity with injuries and absences, the varsity girls soccer team is currently undefeated. Freshman goalie Ashlynn Collings stepped up for the varsity during the first weeks of December. Likewise, the rest of the team has continued to improve and looks to the new year with a hopeful mindset. With leadership from senior captains Mimi Wilson, Heather Schoen, and Isabelle De Bruyker, the team is optimistic in continuing this streak.

In early December, the team played rival Kinkaid and came out on top. The scrimmage ended with a 1-0 win, which included an impressive goal by junior Kaia Chambers in the first half. Similarly, the team played the Home School Christian Youth Association on December 10 and plays them again on December 18.

Heading into January, the Knights plan to start conference games. Kicking off with John Cooper, Kinkaid, and St. Andrews.

Despite SPC being cancelled, the girls still compete with a championship mentality.

Regarding COVID-19, Gonzalez says it has affected his season dramatically, as it has allowed him into the position of moving to the United States and have a soccer season unlike his previous teammates in Chile.

The virus has required the team to wear masks and take part in social distancing, which the team understands; the boys just want to continue playing as a team and be safe.

As for the junior varsity, Coach Chris Weinstein says the team is arguably the strongest in his time at EHS, boasting a 4-1 record and scoring three or more goals in each victory.

Overall, soccer at EHS consists of young talent, passion, and commitment.

(Left) Marvin Rivas Jr. prepares for a throw in. (Above) Senior Mateo Bastidas receives the pass while being defended by three Concordia Lutheran players. Photos

by Sophie Martin.

GIRLS SOCCER BAILEY JUNELL Editor-in-Chief

seniors Mateo Bastidas and Stephano Cotsoradis and junior Samuel Gonzalez have been important leaders.

“Recently I’ve been enjoying the energy and level of competition at practice. If everyone continues to output this same effort from recent practices, our team will rise to greater heights,” siad Bastidas.

“My thoughts on the season so far are that it had been amazing,” said junior Samuel Gonzalez. “The team is built on a great group of guys who have amazing talents and are willing to push the rest of the season to come out on top. I have enjoyed working with them and the coaches as well on building a solid foundation from the defense to the attack and coming together and working collectively to win.”

Swimming & diving continue preparation LARA VERSTOVSEK Staff Writer Beginning their conditioning and skill training in late September, the EHS swimming and diving team looked great going into tryouts and continues to raise standards with recent practices. The solid core of returning swimmers from last year will also be super valuable for this year’s races.

The entire team is most excited to actually be in the water and able to train together, especially with the great deal

of uncertainty in the starting months of pre-season. Specifically, this season, the Episcopal Knights have one of the fastest groups of female swimmers the school has seen and will definitely be working hard to break titles for upcoming meets.

With COVID-19 affecting all sports, the swim team had to change its set up as well. The team split up into two squads this year, with the JV team practicing at a different time than the varsity to maintain socially distancing as best as possible. Although it is a change, it definitely benefitted both groups. In addition, the Knights

have fewer and smaller meets, which excited the swimmers as the competition is more direct.

Going into the season, the swim team is mainly focusing on managing the daily goals of each practice while keeping the steps toward top five finishes at SPC in mind. The four seniors this year, Sydney Coward, Addie Elmer, Brianna Espinoza, and Samantha Wotring, are all swimmers who bring immense talent and leadership to the team and will be greatly missed in the next years. The Knights now prep towards a tri-conference meet in January.

GIRLS BASKETBALL LUCY HOWLEY Social Media Coordinator After many preseason practices and tough tryouts, the girls basketball team fought hard in their first few games against Second Baptist and St. Pius, winning 66-52 and 49-48. Unfortunately, their next competition against St. Agnes resulted in a very close loss, 47-37.

The team is working hard to improve before their approaching home and away games in December. Coming up, their schedule is packed with home games against Houston Christian on December 7 and Second Baptist on December 12 and an away game against the Village School on December 10.

Along with games, the team has more practices planned for Christmas Break to further develop their skills and team chemistry. The fearless seniors Bria Woodard, Gwen Rippeto, Destinee Harris, Lizzy Afseth, Eva Del Frate, and Courtney Davis have been strong role models this year and will hopefully bring the girls team to victory this season.

Varsity girls swim preps themselves before starting off the blocks. Competing at their only meet of December at the Spring Branch Invitational, the Knights faced off against Houston Christian and Northbrook. Photo by Craig Choi.